Question
Yesturday at Synagogue on Shabbos we had a Shabbat Chatan. Some of the congregants began to clap and dance when the chattan received his aliyah. Since i was not sure the correct halacha, i did not say anything to anyone but now would like some clarification on this matter. Also if one is not allowed to clap, then is one permitted to use a knocker on a door or musical toys for babies?
Answer
The strict halacha is that it is forbidden for one to dance or clap on Shabbos. However, some have the minhag to be lenient in these issues and one shouldn’t make a protest over those who are lenient in this matter. Many authorities say that one shouldn’t rely on this minhag of being lenient with dancing and clapping, except if it is in cases of mitzvah. However, it is proper that Sephardim should be strict in all cases and not dance or clap even in the case of a Mitzvah For the honor of the Torah it’s permissible to dance on Simchas Torah if it falls on Shabbos. It is still forbidden to clap and dance for a chosson and kallah.
Dancing or clapping to a rhythm or beat: It is forbidden to play a musical instrument even if the sound produced is random an not musical or rhythmic. Examples of instruments included are whistles, rattles, bells, horns, and drums. It is forbidden to make music in a rhythm using any tool or even one’s hand. Therefore, we see that one may not even knock on a door with one’s fist in a rhythm.
According to Ashkenazim, one may not use a door knocker to knock on the door even without a rhythm as it is considered an instrument designated for making sound. If there is no other entrance available and one needs to enter it is permitted to open a door on Shabbos which has bells attached to it. It is of course preferable for the owner of the house to remove the bells before Shabbos to avoid this issue arising. It is permissible to use a object not designed for producing sound that are not rhythmic. For example, it’s permissible to tap on a glass cup to get the attention of others in a noisy situation or to knock on the door with a key. One may also set an alarm clock before Shabbos even though it will make noise on Shabbos. However, Sh”t Igros Moshe 4:70(4) only permits this if it is not heard outside his personal room so it is not a problem of maaris ayin. Although the Shofar may be blown on Rosh Hashona, after fulfilling the mitzvah of blowing (or listening) to the Shofar one may not blow the Shofar on Rosh Hashana for practice or amusement. The same restriction applies to Shabbos and Yom Tov. Regarding children and noisemakers, it’s permissible for an adult to give a baby a toy that makes noise, such as whistles, rattles, or other noisemakers. Some say that one shouldn’t give such a toy directly to the baby, but should place the toy in front of him, unless the baby won’t take it for himself. An adult shouldn’t personally use a noisemaker (such as a rattle) to entertain a baby unless there’s a necessity (such as to calm down a crying baby,) and even in such, a case it’s preferable for the adult to shake it in an unusual manner. Children who are above the age of chinuch (approximately four years old) should be taught not to use these noisemakers on Shabbos. Toys that the primary function are not for noise, such as a merry-go-round that clicks as is used, may be used by children on Shabbos. A toy that hangs from the cot is not muktzeh because although it does make noise it can also be used to look at.
In regard to humming, Rama 338:1 permits whistling. The Magen Avraham 338:2 explains that this is only referring to whistling which is not musical. However, Mishna Brurah 338:3 disagrees and says even if you whistle a song it is permissible because it is with the mouth. Shemiras Shabbos KeHilchasa 16:2,rule in accordance with the Mishna Brurah. Rabbi Mansour concludes that whistling on Shabbos is permitted but adds that whistling in public isn’t the appropriate way of a Ben Torah. |